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Gio leads list of Melvin's potential A's All-Stars

Gio leads list of Melvin's potential A's All-Stars

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Gio Gonzalez

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OAKLAND -- A's manager Bob Melvin has been at the helm for only 17 games entering Wednesday's contest against the Marlins. But in that time, he has been impressed with what he has seen from some of his players and believes there are a few who are deserving of being named an All-Star come Sunday.

At the top of Melvin's list of potential candidates for the Midsummer Classic is lefty Gio Gonzalez, who one-hit the Marlins over eight innings on Tuesday while striking out nine.

"He certainly has the numbers to be an All-Star," Melvin said. "Certainly his numbers he's put up to this point, especially the ERA, would suggest that he would fit right in."

Gonzalez's 2.38 ERA was tied with Detroit's Justin Verlander for the fourth-best mark in the Majors entering Wednesday. Although Gonzalez had a rough three-game stretch to start June, he has rebounded nicely in his last three outings, giving up a combined three earned runs over 21 innings. Over that span the southpaw has fanned 27 and walked six.

Opponents are hitting just .216 against him, which is the 14th-lowest average in the Majors. Despite the numbers, and the support of his manager, Gonzalez was quick to deflect the praise and possibility of earning his first All-Star nod.

"I just put my head down and do my job, the rest is up to the fans and everyone else," Gonzalez said. "We have plenty of guys on this team that are definitely All-Stars in my opinion."

Among the other contenders in Gonzalez's mind, and on Melvin's list, are setup man Grant Balfour and starter Trevor Cahill.

Balfour was tied for second among American League relievers with four wins before being placed on the disabled list Tuesday with a strained right oblique. In 33 appearances, opponents are hitting just .198 against him, including .136 with runners in scoring position. He has also not allowed a run in nine of his last 10 outings.

Cahill sprinted out to a great start to the season but underwent a seven-game stretch in which he went 0-5 with a 5.67 ERA. He has bounced back with two stellar outings that Melvin said made the former All-Star look "like a guy who has pitched in an All-Star Game."

Although Melvin believes a handful of A's should be considered, it's likely only one will be named an All-Star. And while he won't be making any calls to campaign for them, Melvin said if AL manager Ron Washington calls, he would certainly give a recommendation.

"I'm probably a little biased ... I'm just talking about my guys," Melvin said. "But I think there are several guys who could certainly merit consideration."